Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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We have the last appointment of the day at 5:00 today to say our final goodbye.
He had another rough night last night. He struggled Saturday and Sunday night, and wouldn't touch a bite of food on Sunday no matter what we offered. We thought Monday was it. But then he perked up with Prednisone and his breathing got better. He ate a couple of decent meals. Monday afternoon, Tuesday, Wednesday were all great. But he spiked a fever of 105.1 last night. I was cooling him with wet clothes and a fan all night to keep him in the 104.5-104.9 range. His breathing was labored. I slept next to him and petted him and shushed and soothed him a few times when the breathing got real bad.
Then voila -- this morning he was fine. His temp is 102.1. He enjoyed some outdoor time. Hopped right out and did some pees. Followed my husband to the truck. Stood in his usual spot where he waits when he thinks he might get a ride in the car. The picture is from this morning. He was so Milo, and seemed healthy and fine, watching the world go by.
Right now he's curled up on the floor next to me, breathing reasonably, and seems quite content. He's my good ole Milo and you wouldn't even know anything was wrong. That's when I start thinking "maybe if we double up the prednisone", "maybe add another pain med", "maybe the good days outweigh the bad nights", "maybe not being able to breathe doesn't bother him", "maybe it was just last night (and Saturday and Sunday), and he'll be fine tonight".
But I know better. He doesn't fear death. I'm the one who fears him being gone. Keeping him going for another few days, or maybe another week, isn't for him. It's for me. And for what? I can't fix him, and it won't be easier for me waiting a few days. He doesn't deserve another night of not being able to breathe, and I'm crazy to think it might not really bother him. I remember being told years ago when my previous dog was in her final days, "it's better to be one day too soon than one day too late."
On the bright side, he's had quite a line of visitors since Sunday, all wanting to say goodbye. My oldest son skyped in last night and we got Milo to play one round of his favorite game ("Where's Meerkat?" -- we hide his toy, and he hunts for it.) I followed Milo with my tablet so my son could cheer him on and watch him hunt. But Milo was too tired to do a second round. Then my son and I just chatted for a long while, mostly about school but also shared a few tears, with the camera on Milo the whole time. Hopefully, my younger son gets a chance to check in today.
In the meantime, I'll sit here in the sun, working from home (sort of -- for whatever my brain is worth today), and try to appreciate these last 7 hours.
Damn!
-Jenifer & Milo
P.S. Below is a picture of him and his best buddy from across the street who stopped over for a goodbye on Monday. It was a bit of an "oh yeah, that's what 4 legs looks like." And I just realized today is the 10 week ampuversary. Not as long as we expected when we did the amputation, but better than we expected when we found out his mitotic index was 40-something.
Oh Jennifer, I'm so very sorry! 
Tears are running down my face as I read this. I was really hoping you'd have more time with Good Milo. 
Time is never enough.
Hugs to you and kisses to Milo
Donna
Donna, Glenn & Murphy
Murphy had his right front leg amputated due to histiocytic sarcoma at 7 years old. He survived 4 years, 2 months & 1 week, only to be taken by hemangiosarcoma at 11 1/2 years 6/12/17
Read about Murphy's Life on Three Legs
I am so sorry that you are faced with this decision, but so glad you are able to spend the day together, in the sun, doing what he loves best, and that so many friends have been able to stop by and say goodbye. Otis' last night, when he was having difficulty breathing, was horrible. The night he transitioned, they told me he could have held on for several more hours, but I didn't see a point in waiting until 2:00 a.m., making him endure that time, without there being a reason. In other words, he wasn't going to get better. Isn't it amazing how they can look so good, so vibrant and healthy, at this point? Anyway, I know how hard this is. Enjoy your day, and make the most of every minute. You are all in my prayers (Milo too). Otis will be waiting for him to play at the bridge.
Otis - 106 pound lab/Dane mix, lost his right front leg to osteosarcoma on Febuary 9, 2016. Four rounds of carboplatin completed in April, 2016. Lung mets August 25, 2016. Said goodbye too soon on September 4, 2016. Lost his adopted sister, Tess, suddenly on October 9, 2016. likely due to hemangiosarcoma.
Wherever they are, they are together.
Oh I am so very sorry.... my heart goes out to you. I am glad you will spend your last day together ... we did that and I think it made all the difference. Your words - a day too soon vs a day too late ... That was my fear too and perhaps I did wait a day too late but all decisions were always made with love.
My heart will be with you later today and tonight as you grieve the loss of your beloved Milo and try and hold close all the wonderful times and memories you had together. He will visit you in your dreams and always be in your heart.
Sending love and peace...
alison with Spirit Shelby in her heart
Shelby Lynne; Jack Russell/Shiba Inu mix. Proud member of the April Angels of 2014.
October 15, 2000 to April 8, 2014
Our story: Broke rear leg in June 2013 - non-conclusive results for cancer so leg was plated and pinned. Enlarged spleen in September 2013 and had it removed and was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and started chemotherapy. Became a Tripawd January 8th, 2014 and definitive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. Three major surgeries in 7 months and Shelby took them all like a champ only to lose her battle to cancer in her brain. We had 8 amazing extra months together and no regrets. #shelbystrong #loveofmylife
Tears falling hard over here too. Heart hurts. You heartfelt approach is that of an enlightened and wise Soul. Your connection and understading of Milo and his needs are driven by an unconditional Soul deep love.
You could not give Milo a more selfless and loving gift to release him before the suffering takes over..and it surely would.
Yes, my vet also shared that sentiment with me about it being better a dsy to soon, etc. Often we don't have that "choice". But when we do, it's a gift of grace and mercy.
For you and your son and your husband to have Milo feeling pretty darn good as he excitedly gets ready to head ro the Bridge is a gift that you will cherish forever. That is the memory you want...And he wants you to have.
We're all sending you our love and holding you in our hearts.....
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie
Staying in the moment with Milo now is all it's about. Your love is so strong you will be able to do it. You are together now and that is ALL that matters.
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
It is never really enough time, I know, but I am so glad it is a good morning and he has had visitors to cheer all of you a bit. You are right - he does not fear this.
Sending so much love and wishes for a gentle, easy departure for the very goodest boy, Milo. Sending you strength and support.
Milo, may you have the sweetest dreams of your happy life with a Meerkat who will play hide and seek with you.
With tears,
Lisa
Lisa, Minneapolis
On October 27, 2016, nearly 6 months after amputation, and 18 months since his cancer likely started, we lost Pofi to a recurrence of Soft Tissue Sarcoma in his spine quite suddenly. His canine sister also succumbed to cancer on March 1, 2019 - we lavished her with our love in the interim, but life was never quite the same without her only real canine friend. Cliff kitty had to leave us, too, suddenly, in August 2019. Lucia kitty grieved all these losses, but helped us welcome two new Lurchers into our home and our lives, Shae and Barley.
I am so very sorry to read this. Your love and dedication for Milo have placed his best interests at the heart of every decision you have made on his behalf, and in this last, most painful one of all, once again you have not failed him.
I am thinking of you, Milo and your family and sending you love and strength.
Meg and Clare and Elsie Pie xxx
Ruby, Staffy, born June 2022, became a Tripawd, 23 November 2023, adopted 12 January 2024.
Also Angel Tripawd Meg (aka The Megastar), who died in April 2023, aged 14, after seven glorious years on three, and Angel Staffies Pie and Bille. In the pawprints of giants...
I'm sorry Jenifer.
Maggie did the same thing after I made the appointment. My parents came over to visit her and she really perked up. She even went to the park with my dad and I started thinking that maybe....
What a weird, surreal day.
Sending strong and peaceful thoughts to you.
Karen and Spirit Maggie
Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.
1999 to 2010
I am so sorry to read about Milo. I agree better a day early than too late. Run Free Milo. you will be healthy until you meet your family again. Watch for his signs he will be there.
xoxoxo
Michelle & Angel Sassy
Sassy is a proud member of the Winter Warriors. Live long, & strong Winter Warriors.
sassysugarbear.tripawds.com
07/26/2006 - Sassy earned her wings 08/20/2013
05/04/2006 - Bosch, Sassy's pal, earned his wings 03/29/19 fought cancer for 4 months.
"You aren't doing it TO her, you are doing it FOR her. Give her a chance at life."
Jennifer like everyone else here my tears are falling. I'm so sorry you have reached this hardest day too soon. Your love for Milo is all encompassing and will now reach to the heavens. Run free Angel Milo healthy and whole once more. Much love and many hugs today and the days ahead. You and your beautiful boy fought the battle hard.
Linda, Riley & Spirits Mighty Max & Ollie
I am so sorry for the ending of your journey with your handsome Milo, may all his happy memories be with you always..... I also want to say from my own experiences, it isn't the number of days in his life that is overly important, but the joyful life in his days 💜💜💜🐾
Keeping you and Milo in my thoughts,
Bonnie, Angel Polly, Pearl, and Zuzu 🐾
Wow. Jenifer I'm so very, very sorry. I sit here writing this with heartache and feeling so badly that you are going through such grief at this very moment. I hope you can feel the power of the Tripawds community, surrounding you and Milo with so much love as he transitions on.
It is the worst day of any pet parent's life, that's for sure. But as someone who wrestled with the same exact decisions as you have during the last few days (Jerry's last few days were almost identical to Milo's), I totally understand your decision. We felt the same way, and wanted to remember our boy happy and ready to move on. Saying goodbye in a panicked state is terrible, you absolutely made the best choice for Milo, to send him off with dignity. He will repay you a thousand times over as his spirit stays strong in your heart and by your side.
When you want to talk, we are here for you.
{{{{{{hugs}}}}}}}}
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Oh nooooo 😔😔😔😔
I just saw this thread and am so, so sad at the news of beautiful Muppet Show Milo passing 😔
Words are not enough ...
I absolutely adored Milo, he was so goofy and sweet and gorgeous
It is a terrible thing to be faced with the final decision and our time will come too (not for the first time) but what else can we do?
You made his final days so special, having your family and friends visiting and letting him go before he was in pain which is the right thing to do.
My heart is with yours Jennifer, you and Milo will definitely meet again one day.
Milo is now watching over you and lives in your heart forever, the brightest of all stars in the sky 🌟
Sending you and your family a big, big, big hug, you are in my thoughts 💗
Eurydice 77kg/170lb Great Dane limping end of April 2016, amputation (right front leg/osteosarcoma) 4 May 2016 6 courses of carboplatin followed by metronomic therapy, lung mets found 30 Nov 2016. 3 courses of doxorubicin, PET scan 26 Jan 2017 showed more mets so stopped chemo. Holistic route April 2017. Lung X-ray 5 May 2017 showed several tennis ball size mets, started cortisone and diuretics. Miss Cow earned her XXL silver wings 12 June 2017, 13 months and 1 week after amputation and 6 1/2 months after lung mets, she was the goofiest dawg ever and is now happily flying from cloud to cloud woof woofing away :-)
I'm so sorry to read this. Milo reminds me so much of my guy Clyde. I'm so sorry you didn't get more time with him, but what a wonderful last day you were able to share. Its such a privilege in a way to be able to give them that gift of moving on to a place where they are well. He'll be waiting for you at the bridge.
I've never been a big believer in signs or whatever, but when I had to put my old dog Murray to sleep, before we went to the clinic a little hummingbird followed him on our last walk and practically landed on him. When I can home, there was a hummingbird in my yard, really close, and I had one follow me the next few times I went for a walk. That might have changed my mind about signs. I bet you'll have a sign (or have had one already) letting you know he is just fine.
My thoughts are with you and your family.
Kristin and Clyde
Kristin, thank you for sharing that beautiful story about Murray's connection with you.
Here's a little bit about the Legend of the Hummingbird:
"Hummingbirds float free of time, carrying our hopes for love, joy and celebration. The Hummingbird's delicate grace reminds us that life is rich, beauty is everywhere, every personal connection has meaning and that laughter is life's sweetest creation."
I know you found love and joy and laughter with your Murray.
I hope Milo will send Jennifer his own Hummingbird to remind her that he, also, is floating free of time and reminding her of his eternal connection.
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
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